[Fungus imitators in the newborn brain]

Area of Science:

• Neuropathology
• Neonatal Neurology
• Microscopy

Context:

• Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a common neonatal brain injury.
• Misidentification of tissue structures can hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Basophilic fibers have been previously misidentified as fungal elements in PVL cases.

Purpose:

• To investigate the morphology of basophilic fibers observed in newborns with PVL.
• To differentiate these structures from fungal mycelium using light and electron microscopy.
• To propose an alternative identification for these fibers.

Summary:

• This study examined basophilic fibers in four newborns diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia.
• Light and electron microscopy revealed these fibers are damaged non-myelinated axons, some with mineralization.
• The findings differentiate these axonal structures from fungal mycelium.

Impact:

• Clarifies the nature of basophilic fibers in PVL, correcting potential diagnostic errors.
• Provides accurate histopathological identification for neonatal brain injury research.
• Improves understanding of axonal damage and mineralization in periventricular leukomalacia.